.png)
Kelly Lyn Marquis
Kelly Lyn Marquis is most widely known for writing a best seller book, Behind the Scenes of Best in Show, Intimate Moments with the Masters, Handlers and Their Show Dogs which explains the deep energetic connection between top professional handlers and their show dogs as well as being the winner of best in show at the Thanksgiving Day NBC National Dog Show in 2004.
Kelly is a professional dog handler, intuitive coach, author, teacher and trainer who understands deeply the quiet conversation happening between humans and dogs. Through her writing, coaching, on-line teachings, and hands-on handling clinics, she delves into the energetic dynamics between dogs, handlers, owners and the pursuit of excellence. She reveals the underlying currents influencing ourselves, our dogs and those around us.
A Note from Kelly
Thank you for taking a moment to be here. I want to share a bit of my story, because it’s what led me, unexpectedly and honestly, to writing, coaching, and teaching. For much of my younger life, I was driven by achievement. Goals made me feel alive and purposeful, and that drive showed up early in school and sports. It eventually carried me from a career in public relations to professional dog handling, where years of discipline and focus led me to become the #1 Working Dog Handler in the United States.
From the outside, it looked like a success. But on the inside, something was missing.
That realization marked a turning point. The drive that had always pushed me forward began focusing inward. I had built a tough, capable exterior, but I wasn’t deeply satisfied, and I knew more achievement wouldn’t change that.
That shift wasn’t graceful. I was confused and severely disconnected from my own internal guidance system.
At the time, I thought I was seeking deeper meaning in life. Perhaps a job that saves lives or changes history or has a positive impact on the world would be the fix. Maybe If I went back to church and focused on higher ideals, I would feel more fulfilled. I was genuinely looking for all those things only to discover, slowly and ironically, that what I was searching for could be found within.
Knowing that intellectually was one thing. Learning how to live it was another. Learning how to listen to myself, to what felt true, became part of my path home.
Dogs played a huge role in that process. With them, I could sense, feel, read, and understand their needs and knew how to respond to them. It took time to learn to offer that same presence to myself.
Anyone who loves dogs understands that trust, especially with animals who’ve had a turbulent past, takes time and patience. There are no shortcuts. My dogs were, and continue to be, steady reminders of what safety, love, and acceptance feel like. Somewhere along the way, I realized needed to extend that same tenderness and patience towards myself.
Over many years, this redirected focus reshaped how I relate to myself, my life, and the people around me. It’s also what drew me to coaching. I genuinely love walking alongside others as they reconnect with themselves, gain clarity, and create lives that feel more peaceful, authentic, and aligned.
Today, I bring both strength and tenderness into my work. My competitive background gives me clarity and focus; my lived experience has taught me compassion, patience, and deep listening. I work with individuals and groups with deep respect for each person’s unique path. I no longer see growth as something to push or conquer, but as a deeply human process—one that unfolds most naturally when we feel supported, understood, and safe enough to be ourselves.